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Dealing with an antiques dealer: How to negotiate the best price

Antique dealers love to make a sale rather at flea markets, shows, shops or auctions. They are used to people wheeling and dealing with them because that too is part of their trade. Don't be afraid to make a lower offer on something you like. In most shops a standard 10% or more is given to other dealers. As a buyer if you are paying by cash or check it is easier to get that same discount.

Dealers buy items at auctions, flea markets, shows, garage sales, and house calls. They commonly buy from other dealers. The antique and collectible market goes up and down depending on what is hot to collectors or what is hard to find. Most dealers are quite a master at getting the best price when they purchase and mark up prices can be staggering or still be a steal. No antique dealer knows everything about it all and most don't specialize in just one area. If you see an item that you know it is a great price don't haggle unless no one else is around shopping. It is easy to lose an item also to another shopper.

There is a natural high when you're buying or selling. To put it simply it is just making the deal and either making money selling or saving it when you buy. Don' t be intimidated with a price of something you want. Check out other items and compare prices. Once you get an idea of what other dealers charge it is easier to make an offer. If you know the field you collect in well; you won't be so easily taken by any price stickers.

If you find several things you like; make a pile and then ask what their best price is for all of it. If it is still too high make a cash dollar amount offer. This is much easier to do at Flea Markets or Garage Sales. After all these people must reload all this great stuff they unloaded. If can also be to your benefit if it is at the end of the day or closing time.

The selling amount can vary in different parts of the country so while on vacation you might even find a better deal. If you are traveling it is easy to ship things home with so many shipping stores available. Most will even pack it up for you for a fee.

If you are buying off of Ebay look for dealers who offer "Buy It Now" or "Buy It Now or Best Offer." All it takes there is a click with what you wish to pay. The Buy Now option can sometimes save you money on something you really want instead of getting caught up in trying to outbid other bidders.

Getting a better price just offers you more money to buy another treasure. This works on everything rather it is a trinket, car or home and I believe there is a little bit of a horse trader in all of us.

Above all, have fun with it! But, when you are ready to sell it be ready to give a better price. So, mark the price up leaving you some market room to come down. You will still get what you want and the buyer will be happier, just like you were.

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Dealing with an antiques dealer: How to negotiate the best price

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